Choosing a dog leash is like selecting what clothes or shoes you plan to wear for the day. Both tasks require that your selections fit the activities you plan to undertake.
Just as high heels may be inappropriate for a day of working in the garden, the improper collar can adversely affect your dog’s performance.
First, consider the reasons for leashing your dog. Leashing allows you to keep control of your dog and can be a helpful aid during training sessions. Most importantly, leashes are one of the best means of insuring your dog’s safety. A dog that stays by your side is a lot less apt to get into trouble than one that is allowed to roam freely.
There are several kinds of leashes. In today’s world where fashion speaks for itself, leashes come in a variety of fabrics and designs. Whether you choose red hot peppers, peace symbols or a solid color, leashes should be chosen with a particular task in mind.
Standard leashes – For the most part, standard leashes are meant for everyday use. They typically vary in length from four to eight feet. A leash that is six foot long is considered the best choice by many trainers.
Standard leashes can be purchased in a variety of materials, including leather, nylon, other fabrics and chain. Nylon fabric is known to be very durable and it is easily laundered. Nylon provides a lot of color choices, which is important for dog owners that are fashion-conscious.
Leather leashes tend to be more durable. However, they usually cost more than nylon ones.
Chain leashes are best suited for dogs that like to chew their leads.
Retractable leashes have their place. These are constructed with a plastic case that you hold by the handle. The nylon card, which often measures up to 26 feet, retracts into the plastic case, allowing you to give the dog a lot of rope or confining him or her to your side. You choose the distance that your dog is away from you. There is a button that you push with your thumb to determine the amount of lead that is able to be used. Retractable leashes are good for giving your dog space, but they can present a safety hazard in that the leash can wrap around objects or get tangled in debris, etc.
It is definitely best to start a dog out on a standard leash before moving onto a retractable one that may give the puppy the idea that it is acceptable to tug the owner all over creation and back.
Adjustable leashes – This type of leash resembles standard ones. However, adjustable leashes have several loops positioned along the length of the leash so that the handler can lengthen or shorten it depending on the circumstances. These are most commonly used for training.
Martingale leads – This type of lead is a collar and leash combined. The collar portion slips over the dog’s head and tightens when the lead is pulled. A plastic tube that slides down the leash keeps the collar in place. They are most commonly used in the show ring.
Specialty leashes – These are ideal for owners who exercise with their dogs. You can buy some that are designed to attach to a jogger’s belt. Others attach to a bicycle so that Rover can run by your side as you pedal.
Choosing the right type of leash for a specific activity makes it a lot easier to handle a dog and provides a sense of security.
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